Faculty at Fanshawe College want mandatory indoor masking brought back to the post-secondary institution.
OPSEU Local 110, the union which represents faculty, has filed a group grievance against the college over the lack of face coverings. The union grievance states the college has failed to provide a safe work environment by removing masking requirements for indoor activities on campus.
"Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. We are asking Fanshawe to follow its obligations under the law," said Local 110 President Mark Feltham.
The loss of public safety measures that aim to protect against COVID-19 such as indoor masking and social distancing, has created an unsafe work environment, the union maintains. As such, it is calling on the college to require face coverings in indoor spaces on campus.
Fanshawe announced in mid-August it would not reintroduce mandatory masking or vaccine requirements when students returned to in-person learning in the fall. At the time, college officials said the decision was based on advice from the Middlesex London Health Unit, but that students and employees were still strongly encouraged to mask indoors and stay up-to-date on recommended vaccine doses.
In contrast to Fanshawe's back to school plan, Western University still requires medical grade face coverings be worn while inside classrooms and seminar rooms. Students, staff, and faculty are also required to submit proof they have received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by January 9, 2023.
In a statement, Fanshawe College said it will schedule a hearing with the union shortly to hear the grievance and will issue a response after.
"Fanshawe is following all provincial guidelines related to health and safety on campus. Based on ongoing and regular discussions with local public health authorities, Fanshawe has not reintroduced mandatory masking or vaccine requirements at this time," the college said. "Students and employees are encouraged to mask indoors and stay up to date on recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine."